Travel Postcards

So now that you know my whirlwind itinerary, which goes from hot to cold weather in a matter of a day, I do have to spend some time thinking about the issue of packing. I have traveled the world but never have given this much attention to most of my 60-plus destinations. Africa comes to mind as one of the places where you had to plan ahead and follow guidelines for clothes to take. The other trips required some moments for planning but nothing like my upcoming trip.

To pack for a 24-day Around the World Jet Tour is a challenge and one that I welcome for all the pre-trip excitement it brings me. I am a great believer that having something to look forward to is an important ingredient in life, whether it’s a night out with friends, a day trip to the city, a long weekend getaway or a longer adventure like this one.

I have been advised by National Geographic to remember that this is an expedition. “In other words, Mary Jo, leave your fancy clothes at home.” For those of you who know me, this may be difficult. Living on casual Cape Cod I do like to bring my nicer clothes out of the closet when I travel.

I have known about this trip for over a year, so what to take has been in the back of my mind for a while. I have purchased items as I found them and then hand-washed them to be sure they were quick-dry. Now that the trip is only two weeks away, I need to get serious and look at the suggested packing list and develop a plan. Having had so much time to think about this trip, I will admit I did splurge on clothes!

As you already know, the itinerary has us on the plane for many hours at a time and then we arrive to spend two nights at each location. My task: to find a balance between being comfortable for flying and touring and having a more sophisticated look for our luxury hotels and resorts. Don’t worry, I am not bringing any glam or glitter. Okay, just a little splash here and there.

So my colors are black, gray and beige…basic but boring, so I will add coral and lime green accents for a touch of color to pep up the look. Since I need to be prepared for some colder destinations, I learned about lightweight packable insulated coats (can you believe it has taken me this long?) and actually visited stores like L.L. Bean and EMS, not my usual stops. TravelSmith and Magellan’s have also benefited from me.

Shoes…not my favorite article of clothing. Why? I had polio when I was younger and as a result I have two different sized feet (for which I am actually grateful, knowing how others fared from this disease). I wear a 6½ and a 7½, so I must buy two pairs of shoes unless they are sandals or tie shoes, where I try to fit into a size 7 to save money! For this trip, however, I made the right decision and purchased two sizes each of both black and beige GOwalk 3 shoes from Skechers. They are comfortable and I certainly hope they remain so for the duration of the trip. For the evening, flats and sandals are my shoes of choice.

Gadgets:
I have two essential gadgets that I never travel without. The first one: my Nook that used to be a book. My second is my Bose headset. If the airlines ever honor the request to allow cellphones to be used on planes, I will be the first to invest in Bose stock!

In planning for this adventure, I have added a few new gadgets. On a recent trip to Tuscany for an Andrea Bocelli concert, I found out I needed to upgrade my binoculars. The ones I took were adequate but didn’t allow me to be as up-close and personal as I wanted to be. The good news…I now have Olympus 10×25 PCI binoculars.

Take a look at what appears to be a pair of sunglasses. Surprise, they also take HD videos as you wear them. They are GoVision Polarized 1080p HD Video-Capture Sunglasses with 15MP Still Camera, Carrying Case and 8GB microSDHC Card. No, I am not being paid to advertise. I just thought they were really cool and might come in handy while I am hiking up to the Potala Palace in Tibet, for example.

Knowing that I will be time zone hopping, I googled “best travel watches” and came up with a site that had choices ranging from $5,000 to $11,000. I think I will just remain confused!

This next item may not have a universal appeal but it is critical for me. I am plagued with a genetic bad back and need all the support I can get while sitting. I purchased a Travelon Self-Inflating lumbar cushion. Not often having had the luxury of sitting in first class, I may not need to use this cushion on the trip but better safe than sorry.

Now you can call me crazy. I have these foldable hangers to bring along. What was I thinking…that our luxury hotels would not have hangers? I stopped looking for gadgets after this purchase.

Suitcases:

My blonde years

We are allowed one large suitcase and are given a smaller one to be used on some of the internal country flights. We are also being gifted a backpack! This is way out of my usual look but remember, Mary Jo, this is an expedition and not a luxury cruise!

Since we will be constantly in and out of our suitcases, I have decided to pack clothes separated by category in oversize plastic bags. I can then easily pull them out and identify the contents. Thank you, Fran, for my birthday gift. I will bring clothes for one week of daytime and nighttime activities and then repeat and repeat. I am using Travelon Compression Packing Bags.

My daughter, who knows that I like to always look nice and neat, suggested I make an “itinerary” for my clothes so that I know what I will wear at each destination, leaving the guesswork and confusion out of it. I had a good laugh and then, while it may sound OCD, thought I might entertain this idea, knowing that I can always be flexible. Or I could have a group of airplane outfits, touring outfits and resort outfits. The benefit to either plan is I can spend the trip being fully engaged in the experience rather than flipping through clothes.

So now you know that I will be very busy these next two weeks, not only packing but also managing all the other details of being away for 24 days: paying bills, stopping newspapers, finding coverage for my grandchildren’s babysitting shifts, etc., etc., etc. Of most importance is reviewing my client files to be sure that all will be cared for under the competent guidance of Evie, my amazing assistant and friend. Do not hesitant to ask questions about your trip or reserve your next adventure while I am away.

While I am away the office hours will be:

Monday: Evie will answer the phone from home

Tuesday – Friday: Evie will be in the office from 9AM to 4PM.

Thanks for joining me on my trip of a lifetime. Only 2 more weeks. I’m getting crazy!

Let me share with you the amazing destinations that I will experience as I jet around the world with National Geographic. I will give you a brief description now and then hopefully you will join me on my virtual tour.

The next day we are off as we board our specially outfitted Boeing 757 that accommodates 75 travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats. We have an expedition crew, physician and chef with us to take care of our every whim…the ultimate in luxury as we fly to:

Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu, PeruWe travel on the Hiram Bingham, our privately chartered train passing through the Sacred Valley of the Inca to Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca, this archaeological treasure was rediscovered by Bingham in 1911. Visitors marvel at the artfully cut stone altars, temples, foundations, staircases and terraced gardens that make this one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.

Easter Island, ChileScattered with mysterious, colossal stone statues called moai, the island is an open-air museum of the ruins of a lost culture. We will learn the hidden stories of the island’s wonders with renowned archaeologist Edmundo Edwards, and marvel at the many moai that dot the island’s windswept landscape. We’ll end this day with a splendid performance by the Kari Kari Rapa Nui dance troupe. I love these local cultural performances.

Apia, SamoaSamoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains essentially intact—tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient times. This beautiful island world is well known for its hospitality, traditional ceremonies and distinct communal customs (known as fa’a Samoa, or “the Samoan way”). We’ll enjoy a fia fia—a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song.

The Great Barrier Reef, AustraliaThis is the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. We will snorkel among rainbow-colored corals with schools of unicornfish, surgeonfish, bumphead parrot-fish and sea turtles. Who knew at the time when I was down under in 2010 and had to miss this experience that I would be back! It is a real treat for me to be able to snorkel this reef and see the kaleidoscope of underwater color.

Angkor Wat, CambodiaThe magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex is one of humankind’s greatest architectural triumphs, with its massive towers, carved murals, colonnades and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. At Angkor Thom, we’ll explore the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. A cruise follows to nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a classical Apsara dance performance during dinner.

Chengdu, ChinaWe have a one-night stay in Chengdu to visit the Panda Breeding and Research Center before flying to Lhasa, Tibet. I have been here before and I look forward to seeing these adorable and lovable panda bears again. Do you think he will remember me?

Lhasa, TibetLhasa, Tibet’s capital, is located on one of the world’s highest plateaus. Once a “forbidden city,” this Himalayan center of Buddhist pilgrimage, with the spectacular Potala Palace dominating its skyline, is a trip highlight for me. I can’t wait to visit the palace— with its hundreds of rooms, lavish decor and labyrinthine corridors— which was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. I saw the Dalai Lama in Boston and will have to share my story with my fellow travelers. If you remember, ask me about it. While you would think it was a reverent experience, it was really quite funny.

The Taj Mahal, IndiaBack-to-back trip highlights for me. A masterpiece of the Mogul empire, the Taj Mahal monument, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, soars majestically above the banks of the Yamuna River. I will definitely be joining the National Geographic photographer to capture images of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Ngorongoro Crater, TanzaniaThis is another repeat for me but a destination I am glad to be revisiting. My first trip to Tanzania was a magical experience for all of us in the group that I was escorting. Ask me about singing in Swahili in the lobby of our lodge much to the delight of all the locals… Jambo, Jambo Bwana, Habari Gani, etc., etc.

The Lost City of Petra, JordanSituated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was settled by the enigmatic Nabataean people in 312 B.C. and became an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and the Levant. Half-built, half-carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements. We’ll step back in time 2,000 years as we visit this ancient city, and learn why these enigmatic people built their capital in such an inaccessible spot. On our last evening here, we will gather for a festive Bedouin dinner.

Marrakech, MoroccoOur last stop is Marrakech, where we will explore this fabled city, located in an oasis of palm and olive groves, and steeped in ancient Berber tradition. We’ll see the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa and the grand Bahia Palace and then have time to wander through the medina, a jumble of colorful souks, and stroll the Djemaa el Fna, a lively square where snake charmers, acrobats and magicians enchant the passersby. Our farewell banquet will have traditional entertainment as we bid farewell to our fellow travelers who I am sure will have become fast friends by now.

Washington, D.C.We leave Marrakech and fly back to Washington to take our connecting flights back to reality. I am sure I will be exhausted but oh so exhilarated.

After completing these brief descriptions, I am filled with such incredible anticipation. Here is the bonus. National Geographic gives each passenger an iPad that is preloaded with detailed information about our destinations as well as many entertainment options. It is ours to keep after the trip. Now that will be a travel album to beat all travel albums!

My one night trip to New York City to escort a group of travelers was much anticiapted until 3 days prior when we had torrential rain and a forecast of a hurricane! I had images of us sloshing in the water on the streets of New York amongst flying umbrellas that had become lethal weapons. So you can imagine my delight when I woke up on our day of departure to sunny skies. Thank you weather Gods.

I am writing this from New York on another rainless day for us to walk the streets. Yesterday we enjoyed the Broadway performance of AnAmerican in Paris. It was a thrilling experience and clearly deserved its Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design and Best Choreagraphy. How can you go wrong when you start with music from George Gerswhin, add 2 leads who are principle dancers from the New York City Ballet and then enfold these 2 ingredients for success in a visually stunning and creative set. I will recommend that you see this performance from the mezzanine so you can be looking down to see the whole stage and appreciate the movement from the right perspective.

We then went off to the resturant Becco for a delicious meal that was amazingly affordable for New York City. For exmple, I had their signature 2 course dish that started with a choice of a Ceaser salad or antipasti followed by a trio of pasta tastings with an all you can eat feature. It cost $23.95! It was DELICIOUS. Now I know why it had a line outside of expectant diners.

I am writing this as I sit on my balcony overlooking the Piazza Cisterna in San Gimignano.

It is market day and the vendors are set up for a busy morning.

We are relaxing after a very late night attending our first Andrea Bocelli concert in The Teatro de Silenzio. We watched the production of Puccini’s opera, Turandot. It was a multi media event performed under the stars and a full moon in an open air theater. There was a full orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta, a 75 member chorus, ornate costumes and outstanding musical performances by all.

It was certainly a memorable experience and we are ready for the next concert tomorrow. Today we are going to visit tthe charming hill town of Pienza and “bella” Siena as I heard it referred as this morning.

I am off in 2 weeks to go over the bridge to visit my favorite country, Italy. Now it has taken me a long time to qualify a favorite. When asked for favorites, my usual response is: my next destination!

However having been to Italy over 5 times now I can finally identify that this country is a favorite. It gets into my soul. I must have had a past life experience here!

This time I am going to attend an Andrea Bocelli concert in his open air coliseum that he built in his home town of Lajatico in Tuscany.

It is a 10th anniversary concert with over 10,000 in attendance. Needless to say this took prior planning to purchase the tickets and plan an itinerary around this memorbale event.

What made me decide to go? As I approach my 69th birthday, I have decided that if i get goose bumps over a travel experience that comes across my desk, I will make every effort to fit it into my travel plans.

My favorite quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

This concert will be one of those memorable moments! I am counting the days!